This year, NIAF will host its 39th Anniversary DC Gala Weekend, October 23-26, at the beautiful Washington Hilton in historic Dupont Circle.

The multi-day affair is a time to celebrate the vivacious and influential Italian American community, with a variety of receptions, including Saturday night’s gala, discussion panels on pertinent topics to Italian Americans and other special events, including a screening of the upcoming documentary series, THE ITALIAN AMERICANS, set to air on PBS February 2015.

One of the fun and really unique characteristics of the gala weekend is our Italian American neighborhood and marketplace, NIAF Central, open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here, you can take a stroll down the piazza and enjoy the familiar tastes, sights and sounds of Italian American life, as you mingle amongst the Italian and Italian American Exhibitors.

Partake in mouth-watering food and delectable libations, including a complimentary lunch provided by world-famous Mike’s Deli, direct from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, N.Y. And then round off your meal with delicious coffee and sweets from our premier partners, or spend time visiting with brands you love or ones you’re just discovering here.

Over the next few weeks, we will be giving a taste of what is in store for you at NIAF Central and the gala, spotlighting vendors, organizations and entertainers featured at this year’s weekend event. So stay tuned! For more information on the gala and to purchase your tickets, please visit our gala website at: